chapter 4

The following day, Ethan was running late. A particularly challenging case had kept him at the hospital longer than expected. As he hurried down the street, his gaze darting between the oncoming traffic and the sidewalk, he nearly collided with a figure emerging from a nearby alleyway.

"Watch where you're going!" the man exclaimed, his voice a low growl.

Ethan stumbled back, his heart pounding in his chest. "I-I apologize," he stammered, his eyes finally focusing on the man. It was him – the leaner man from the previous night, the one who had so easily subdued the alpha.

The man, his features etched with a mixture of annoyance and amusement, raised an eyebrow. "You seem to be in a hurry, doctor."

Ethan, still slightly breathless, managed a weak smile. "Yes, I am. I'm late for work."

The man's gaze lingered on Ethan, a flicker of recognition passing through his eyes. "You're the one from the window, aren't you?"

Ethan's eyes widened. "You… you saw me?"

The man chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that sent a shiver down Ethan's spine. "I saw you watching."

Ethan felt a blush creeping up his neck. He had been so engrossed in the fight that he hadn't even considered that someone might be watching him.

"I… I apologize for intruding," Ethan mumbled, feeling a sudden wave of awkwardness wash over him.

The man waved a dismissive hand. "No harm done. Besides, it was quite a show, wasn't it?"

Ethan couldn't help but smile. "Indeed it was."

A comfortable silence fell between them, broken only by the sounds of the city. Ethan, despite his initial apprehension, found himself drawn to the man. There was an intensity about him, a dangerous allure that both intrigued and intimidated him.

"I'm Ghost," the man finally said, extending a hand.

Ethan hesitated for a moment, then shook his hand. "Ethan," he replied, his voice barely a whisper.

Ghost's grip was firm, his gaze unwavering. "Nice to meet you, Ethan," he said, his voice a low growl. "Perhaps we'll see each other again."

And with that, Ghost turned and walked away, disappearing into the crowd. Ethan watched him go, his heart pounding in his chest. He had never met anyone like Ghost before, a man who exuded an aura of danger and mystery.

He knew this encounter would not be easily forgotten. The unexpected meeting had ignited a spark within him, a curiosity that he knew he wouldn't be able to easily extinguish. He had a feeling that Ghost was about to become a significant part of his life, whether he liked it or not.

THe sterile scent of the hospital hung heavy in the air, a stark contrast to the vibrant hues of the city lights that streamed through the windows of the emergency room. Ethan, his eyes heavy with exhaustion, navigated the maze of gurneys and anxious faces, his mind already drifting towards the prospect of a much-needed cup of coffee.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted from the trauma bay. Nurses rushed past him, their faces etched with concern. "Trauma one! Bring in the patient!"

Ethan, his curiosity piqued, followed the commotion. He found himself standing at the foot of the operating table, watching as the medical team worked frantically to stabilize a patient – a man with a pale complexion and a lean, muscular physique. The man's shirt was stained crimson, a gaping wound marring his abdomen.

"What happened?" Ethan asked, his voice barely audible above the cacophony of the emergency room.

A nurse, her face grim, replied, "Knife wound. Suspected loan shark attack."

Ethan's gaze lingered on the patient's face, a wave of unease washing over him. He recognized him – it was Ghost, the man he had encountered on the street a few days ago.

As the surgeons worked, Ethan hovered nearby, his professional curiosity tempered by a strange sense of unease. He had only interacted with Ghost briefly, but something about the man had captivated him, a raw intensity that both intrigued and intimidated him.

Later, as Ghost lay sedated in the ICU, Ethan found himself drawn to his bedside. He watched the steady rise and fall of Ghost's chest, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. He felt a strange sense of responsibility for the man, a need to ensure his well-being.

He reached out, his hand hovering over Ghost's arm. As his fingers brushed against the cool skin, a wave of dizziness washed over him. He stumbled back, his heart pounding in his chest.

Suddenly, Ghost's eyes fluttered open, his gaze landing on Ethan with a flicker of recognition. "Where… where am I?" he rasped, his voice rough and hoarse.

Ethan, still reeling from the sudden dizziness, stammered, "You're in the ICU. You were brought in with a knife wound."

Ghost's eyes narrowed, his gaze sweeping the room. "Who… who did this?"

Ethan shook his head. "I don't know. The police are investigating."

Ghost's jaw clenched, a low growl rumbling in his chest. "Those bastards."

As Ghost spoke, a wave of intense heat surged through Ethan, his body trembling uncontrollably. His senses were heightened, the sterile scent of the hospital now assaulting his nostrils, the slightest sound amplified a thousandfold. He felt a strange pull towards Ghost, an overwhelming urge to be close to him.

Panic seized him. He knew what was happening. He was entering heat, his body overwhelmed by a surge of hormones. He had never experienced it before, the sudden onslaught of sensations both terrifying and exhilarating.

He glanced at Ghost, his eyes wide with a mixture of fear and confusion. Ghost, his gaze fixed on Ethan, seemed to notice the sudden change in the omega's demeanor. His eyes narrowed, a predatory glint entering their depths.

Ethan felt a strange sense of dread. He was an omega, and Ghost… Ghost was an alpha. And he was in heat.

He turned away from the bed, his body trembling uncontrollably. "I… I need to go," he stammered, his voice barely audible.

But before he could take a step, Ghost's hand shot out, gripping his wrist with a surprisingly gentle touch. "Don't go," he growled, his voice a low, seductive purr. "You smell… delicious."

Ethan gasped, his eyes widening in shock. Ghost, his eyes burning with a primal hunger, leaned closer, his breath fanning against Ethan's face. "Don't worry," he whispered, his voice a dangerous caress. "I won't hurt you."

Ethan, paralyzed by fear and arousal, could only stare at Ghost, his mind reeling, his body trembling uncontrollably. He was trapped, caught in the intoxicating gaze of the wounded alpha, his body betraying him, his senses overwhelmed by a primal need he didn't understand.

He knew this was a dangerous situation, a volatile mix of vulnerability and desire. But as Ghost leaned closer, his scent filling Ethan's senses, a strange sense of surrender washed over him. He was lost, utterly and completely lost in the intoxicating gaze of the wounded alpha.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***